Mitch Weiss

A collection of folktales from around the world, all featuring the character of the fool, with tips for telling the stories aloud, related activities, and source notes.

Includes thirty stories chiefly from folk literature, helpful tips for storytelling, and an overview for the adults involved in the activity.

The barnyard animals have a good time at their neighbors' party until dinner is served, when the feast appears to be disappointing and Rooster rudely storms off before discovering a hidden treat.

A retelling of a traditional Bengali tale in which a kind and generous Indian barber, pressed by his father then his wife to earn more money, cleverly persuades a ghost to bring him riches.

In this story from Peru, we meet a baker who is so stingy that he wants to charge people just for smelling his baked goods. When the baker takes his case to court, the wise judge decides to teach the greedy man a well-deserved lesson.

In this delightful story of perseverance and survival from Russia, two frog sisters learn the truth of that old saying, "It ain't over 'til it's over," or, "The opera isn't over until the fat frog sinks."

In this chain story from Cuba, Rooster learns that he needs a lot of help from his friends to get cleaned up in time for Heron's party. Then the real fun begins.

The wacky Noodlehead brothers are back for a second adventure that brings folktale tomfoolery into the 21st century! Although Mac and Mac are as hollow-headed as, well, noodles, they are certain Mom will bake them a cake if they gather some firewood for her. In the woods, they run into Meatball, who tricks the Noodleheads out of their hard-earned kindling with imaginary clairvoyant powers. Oh no! Fortunately, the gullible Noodleheads unwittingly accomplish...